For Immediate Release:
November 18, 2025
Contact: Neil Bhaerman, nbhaerman@oft-aft.org, 412-266-4899
Columbus Metropolitan Library Workers Are Organizing Their Union With OFT
COLUMBUS — The Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) Organizing Committee released the following public statement about their campaign to organize their union with the Ohio Federation of Teachers:
November 18, 2025
To our patrons and our community:
We are proud to publicly announce that hundreds of workers at Columbus Metropolitan Library are coming together to build our union. We do different jobs, and we work in different locations and departments across CML, but we are united in our pride for our library system and our dedication to serving our community.
We’re forming our union because we deserve a voice in the policies that affect us. We have direct, daily experience with our patrons and know what they need and expect from their libraries.
We’re forming our union to make sure every CML worker, part-time and full-time, is paid fairly and receives vital benefits, like affordable healthcare and paid time off.
We’re also forming our union to stand up for our library, our profession, and our patrons. Core values that our library depends on, like intellectual freedom, diversity, equity, and inclusion, are facing dire threats. We need to use our collective voice to defend the freedom to read, the freedom to think, and the freedom to be yourself.
Before we move forward on the next steps, we’re making sure that every single eligible CML worker has an opportunity to add their voice. With more than 600 co-workers, that is a lengthy process, but we are nearing the end and we look forward to keeping you updated through every step of the way.
You can pledge your support here.
In Solidarity,
The CML Organizing Committee
